Category Archives: theology

Previously, we have discussed some of the Gospel elements that appear frequently in Hollywood fiction. Movies often portray a Christ-figure who fights for truth and saves people. Often the Christ-figure experiences a (usually symbolic) death and resurrection, and defeats an imposing enemy against incredible odds. We have seen how the Christ-figure is generally the main character in superhero movies. We now examine the movie genres of science fiction and fantasy.

God has told us in His Word how the universe began, how it came to be the way it is today, and how it will end. This is the ultimate true story. It is history – literally His story. And it is the Gospel. The Gospel message doesn’t begin in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. It begins in Genesis. This is where the problem of sin is introduced into a world that was once perfect. Genesis is where we learn that death is the penalty for sin (Genesis 2:16-17). And it is where humanity was first promised a Messiah, who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15).

I enjoy a good movie, especially those that are uplifting and imaginative. But not everyone does. Some Christians shun virtually all forms of entertainment. Others openly watch just about anything. In between these two extremes is the position held by many Christians: that some forms of entertainment are acceptable while others are unethical. But where should we draw the line? What can we conclude on the basis of Scripture?

Those Christians who reject the biblical timescale or who embrace evolution often defend their position using the two-book fallacy. They claim that nature is essentially a 67th book of the Bible, and equally authoritative with Scripture. Consequently, they argue that we must interpret the Bible in light of this “book of nature.” They might also argue that nature reveals that the world is billions of years old, that all life has evolved from a common ancestor, that stars formed billions of years before earth, and so on. And they interpret Genesis to match this so-called natural/general revelation.

Many Christians are (rightly) upset at the majority ruling of the United States Supreme Court in its recent decision to declare “gay marriage” legal. The ruling is not only unethical, but logically absurd. “Gay marriage” is a self-contradictory term: an oxymoron, like “dry water.” The Supreme Court can declare “dry water” to be legal as emphatically as possible, but water will always be wet. Likewise, marriage has always been and will always be one man and one woman united by God, because God created marriage and has defined it as such (Genesis 1:27, 2:24; Matthew 19:3-6).

Why are Christians so reluctant to accept Genesis as written? Even many otherwise fine Bible scholars, such as Dr. Norman Geisler, are hesitant to fully believe the words of Genesis. On many other issues, Geisler reasons cogently and interprets Scripture with Scripture. But when it comes to Genesis, the rules of hermeneutics and logical thinking are thrown away to make room for deep time (millions of years). Why? This brings to mind the words of Christ as He lamented over the reluctance of the disciples to believe in the resurrection: “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25).

Recently, the best athletes in the world competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics. These people have spent years in training, working hard to make their body an efficient machine capable of feats far superior to the rest of us. Certainly, they deserve our respect and admiration. Biblically, we are supposed to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7).